• The General Mental Health Forum is now a Read Only Forum. As we had two large areas making it difficult for many to find, we decided to combine the Mental Health & the Recovery sections of the forum into Mental Health & Recovery as a whole. Physical Health still remains as it's own area within the entire Recovery area.

    If you are having struggles, need support in a particular area that you aren't finding a specific recovery area forum, you may find the General Struggles forum a great place to post. Any any that is related to emotions, self-esteem, insomnia, anger, relationship dynamics due to mental health and recovery and other issues that don't fit better in another forum would be examples of topics that might go there.

    If you have spiritual issues related to a mental health and recovery issue, please use the Recovery Related Spiritual Advice forum. This forum is designed to be like Christian Advice, only for recovery type of issues. Recovery being like a family in many ways, allows us to support one another together. May you be blessed today and each day.

    Kristen.NewCreation and FreeinChrist

Panic attack... how do you deal with it?

Criada

Well-Known Member
Supporter
Feb 6, 2007
67,835
4,093
57
✟114,628.00
Faith
Christian Seeker
Marital Status
Married
I have suffered from depression and anxiety for a while, but ever had a panic attack until yesterday. I am scared... I don't know what to do if it happens again.. my kids were terrified, and I hate doing that to them. It wasn't even over anything big... just lost an important piece of paper - but I couldn't cope, couldn't breathe... ugh.
Anyone have any suggestions on how to deal with these?
 

hope_is_last_to_die

what, where, who, when, whatever????
Dec 15, 2009
2,212
1,217
Emerald Isle!
✟13,767.00
Faith
Christian
Marital Status
Single
I have suffered from depression and anxiety for a while, but ever had a panic attack until yesterday. I am scared... I don't know what to do if it happens again.. my kids were terrified, and I hate doing that to them. It wasn't even over anything big... just lost an important piece of paper - but I couldn't cope, couldn't breathe... ugh.
Anyone have any suggestions on how to deal with these?

Sorry to hear you had a panic attack (p.a), yes it is a difficult experience. Ive been though the same experience. Its important to remember that although the p.a makes us feel like we cant breathe we can. I know some people who have used the paper bag idea, that is to breathe in and out of a paper bag when this feeling comes on. Helps to control the breathing. Please see the p.a article at the following web link, this article helped me and I hope it helps you; h t t p : / / w w w.leeds.ac.uk / lsmp / healthadvice / Panicattacks / Panic . html (had to put spaces in because I cant post links yet)

Hope you have a very nice Christmas!
 
Upvote 0

PassionFruit

I woke up like dis
May 18, 2007
3,755
313
In the valley of the wind
✟20,550.00
Faith
Humanist
Marital Status
Engaged
Politics
US-Democrat
I have suffered from depression and anxiety for a while, but ever had a panic attack until yesterday. I am scared... I don't know what to do if it happens again.. my kids were terrified, and I hate doing that to them. It wasn't even over anything big... just lost an important piece of paper - but I couldn't cope, couldn't breathe... ugh.
Anyone have any suggestions on how to deal with these?

I know the feeling. I used to have panic attacks, it got to the point where I wouldn't even go out because I was afraid of having one. It is very scary and it can have an impact on your daily activities. How long have you've been having these attacks? Because at this point I learned to have them under control at this point. If you can, talking with someone about them could help, it may even help you discover why you have them. It could be stress.

Hope everything works out.

Merry Christmas.
 
Upvote 0

RuthD

blah blah blah
Supporter
Jul 2, 2006
90,795
20,530
Earth
✟191,472.00
Country
United States
Faith
Christian
Marital Status
Single
Politics
US-Others
I used to have panic attacks and it helped somewhat to call someone to talk to while it was going on. I described to the person what I felt like and they gave me some tips. It was actually a mental health line I called.

I now take medication for other things and it makes the anxiety go away, too.
 
Upvote 0

power2theweak

Senior Veteran
Jun 22, 2009
4,712
1,790
✟12,533.00
Faith
Christian
Marital Status
Married
I don't know how much help that I'll be because I'm not sure if I've ever experienced a "true" panic attack. I do, however, experience panic--terror--when I am in certain social situations. I found that decreasing caffeine helped a lot.

There are a lot of good books out there about panic attacks. I think most of them say that you must learn to accept what is happening--the fear and the physical symptoms--and just "float through" the panic attack. I know, I know...easier said than done. I can get you the names of the books that I have, if you are interested.

Hugs to you, Criada. I hope you find relief. :hug::hug::hug:
 
Upvote 0

hope_is_last_to_die

what, where, who, when, whatever????
Dec 15, 2009
2,212
1,217
Emerald Isle!
✟13,767.00
Faith
Christian
Marital Status
Single
I used to have panic attacks and it helped somewhat to call someone to talk to while it was going on. I described to the person what I felt like and they gave me some tips. It was actually a mental health line I called.

I now take medication for other things and it makes the anxiety go away, too.

It's great you had someone to talk to, what tips did they give you?
 
Upvote 0

jsimms615

Well-Known Member
Supporter
Jul 21, 2006
10,996
1,713
✟143,480.00
Country
United States
Faith
Christian
Marital Status
Married
Politics
US-Others
Hi Criada,
I had one panic attack a few years ago during a terrible storm when I thought the house was going to flood. Then I never had one again. I found this web site that deals with panic attacks and anxiety and wanted to share it with you.

Dealing With Panic Attacks - Tips and Techniques
 
Upvote 0
This site stays free and accessible to all because of donations from people like you.
Consider making a one-time or monthly donation. We appreciate your support!
- Dan Doughty and Team Christian Forums

Criada

Well-Known Member
Supporter
Feb 6, 2007
67,835
4,093
57
✟114,628.00
Faith
Christian Seeker
Marital Status
Married
Upvote 0

R.A.IN

Daughter of the King!
Oct 16, 2009
1,094
308
✟17,686.00
Faith
Christian
Marital Status
Married
Politics
US-Republican
jimms615 - great link.

Criada, I have a panic disorder. I am not currently on meds for it because professionals gave me benzo drugs. Benzos can (and did in my case) bring on more panic attacks.

((((hugs)))) to you. It's horrible to have to deal with. Try to remember that most people will have one panic attack in their lives. Just because you've had one, doesn't mean you'll have another.

I have a "panic preparedness kit" that I keep in my purse:
*Small brown paper bag (see hope's post)
*Small Gideons' New Testament
*Index cards with general prayer requests (pray for our president, etc.)
*Pen/pencil
*Small writing tablet
*Paper clip
*A few pieces of hard candy
*The cross I wear around my neck

All of these things can be used to help keep my mind off of me. I did have a panic attack in church today. I generally leave when I feel one coming on. I stayed at church today because my husband and several friends were sharing ways that they have been blessed this year. I was shaking and crying quite a bit, but I am proud of myself for staying.
 
Upvote 0

genestealerbroodlord

Whozawhatnow?
May 12, 2006
540
40
Scotland
✟8,480.00
Country
United Kingdom
Faith
Christian Seeker
Marital Status
Single
Politics
UK-Independence-Party
I used to take panic attacks alot, But now they are less often. What helped me was having the whole fight or flight thing explained to me and that a panic attack is what happens when you don't do either. Your body is set up in such a way that when in danger, it gears up for a fight or to run from the danger. That means that the body builds up a huge reserve of energy and if we don't use it, that energy has to go somewhere. That is what a panic attack basicly is. It can feel like we are having a heart attack or that we are unable to breathe. If you were fighting off a wild beast, this energy would be very useful, But in our modern world, we really don't need it that much.
 
Upvote 0

Dogperson

Newbie
Dec 18, 2009
351
16
Northeast Tennessee
✟15,560.00
Faith
Baptist
Marital Status
Married
I had my first panic attacks in 1998 & was sure I was going to die the first few times it happened. I really didn't know what it was. I guess I hyperventilated because I felt like I was going to faint. I was also shaking & perspiring & my heart was pounding. I was alone when it happened & I called my sister to tell her I was dying & she said it was a panic attack. We talked for a while until I calmed down.
After a number of episodes in 1998 I didn't have another full-blown panic attack for 10 years. I had several in 2008 & also in late 2009. I now know that I'm not dying from them & so I'm no longer afraid of that part of it.
Nowadays I have a prescription for Klonopin & if it feels like I'm going into a full-blown attack I go ahead & take one. Then I try to relax & breathe deeply or if I am alone I will read the Bible out loud. Proclaiming God's promises & protection out loud can have a very good calming effect & help me feel more positive. The Word is very powerful and saying out loud who I am in Christ and confessing God's faithfulness helps me to focus on Him instead of how I'm feeling. I admit that sometimes I'm too far gone into panic for it to completely calm me down but I also have family & friends I can call, text, or email to pray for me & their support makes me feel better.
I don't know if any of this helps your particular situation. I wish you all the best & hope this never happens to you again. If you continue to have symptoms it might be a good idea to speak with your doctor for an opinion. It's no wonder we hear about panic attacks more & more because life is so busy & stressful these days.
Good luck & God bless you!
 
Upvote 0

wonderous

Member
Jun 22, 2007
236
4
Bukit Timah, Singapore
Visit site
✟7,876.00
Faith
Anglican
Marital Status
Single
deep breathing really works for me right after the panic attack. it teaches your brain to automatically do deep breathing during a panic attack. deep breathing slows down the removal of carbon dioxide hence you feel less tingling & much more relaxed with more oxygen. google deep breathing & you will find many site that teach deep breathing techniques. you just have to remember to do it after every panic attack & then you will come to a point where during a panic attack, you can hear yourself breathing(although u feel as if you are not) even through loud noises or tinittus you still can hear your real breathing.
I totally understand your condition as i suffered panic attacks before
know that it can happen anytime, but identify what's the trigger & if you can learn to deal with 'what if' thinking you should certainly stop it almost completely
personally i have got many panics like from daily & over 2 years it has decreased to once a month. Know that God is on your side & know that a panic attack makes you stronger, it's supposed to help you cope in even more stressful situations in the future. But having too many is a clear sign that one's thinking patterns might be faulty. God bless you, have a great new year, dont hesistate to contact me by msn or email i would be glad to help! Ill keep praying for you that God would give you a new mind(romans 12:1-2!
 
Upvote 0
This site stays free and accessible to all because of donations from people like you.
Consider making a one-time or monthly donation. We appreciate your support!
- Dan Doughty and Team Christian Forums

St. Paul

Newbie
Jul 6, 2008
467
25
49
Michigan
✟9,298.00
Faith
Baptist
Marital Status
In Relationship
I suffer from panic attacks. Usually about 2 per week and they can happen at anytime. What I usually do is take deep breaths and tell myself it will be over soon. My panic attacks usually last 3-4 minutes. I usually tremble and have a racing heart rate. panic attacks really suck.
 
Upvote 0

the.Sheepdog

You must be born again!
Oct 26, 2008
9,005
1,445
Sanford, FL
✟24,471.00
Faith
Christian
Marital Status
Married
Politics
US-Constitution
I started panic attacks when the President sent troops to Saudi Arabia for Desert Shield/ Desert Storm.

I am a VietNam vet and had a face to face with an enemy soldier who was going to shoot me. I happened to fire first but just barely. I didnt know who had fired.

He fell. This was from mayb 20ft or less. When desert storm started I started having nightmares and panic atacks about that time. I would be on the floor beside the bed and couldnt find a rifle!


Counseling, meds, and time took care of it and I dont have them any more. Terror is heck. Im breathing faster just writing this.
 
Upvote 0
This site stays free and accessible to all because of donations from people like you.
Consider making a one-time or monthly donation. We appreciate your support!
- Dan Doughty and Team Christian Forums

hope_is_last_to_die

what, where, who, when, whatever????
Dec 15, 2009
2,212
1,217
Emerald Isle!
✟13,767.00
Faith
Christian
Marital Status
Single
I started panic attacks when the President sent troops to Saudi Arabia for Desert Shield/ Desert Storm.

I am a VietNam vet and had a face to face with an enemy soldier who was going to shoot me. I happened to fire first but just barely. I didnt know who had fired.

He fell. This was from mayb 20ft or less. When desert storm started I started having nightmares and panic atacks about that time. I would be on the floor beside the bed and couldnt find a rifle!


Counseling, meds, and time took care of it and I dont have them any more. Terror is heck. Im breathing faster just writing this.

Bill, many thanks for sharing this and Im real glad you dont have the panic attacks any more. Interesting to know how your panic attacks started. I was walking through a mall when my first major one started, I wonder why because I wasnt faced with a traumatic situation or anything. I think stress might be the cause of mine.
 
Upvote 0